Throughout Truett McConnell University’s (TMU) 74-year history, many have served faithfully on the board of trustees. Mrs. Julie Dorough is one of the newest Trustee members elected by the Georgia Baptist Convention.
Dorough brings a perspective to the group she feels is very important. “I am a mom, and I want to know that as a mom, the students are being taken care off.”
A pastor wife’s heart
Dorough, who lives in Gainesville, brings a strong presence of understanding and leadership to the table. Her background in financial services and current position as buyer for Hall County government provides an extensive understanding of financial decisions for large entities.
“When I was asked to serve as a trustee, I admit I was nervous,” she said. “But for me, it was a chance to be an advocate for a university that I support and love.”
Dorough was born in Athens, Georgia and later moved to Jacksonville, Florida. She is the daughter of a veterinarian and stay-at-home mom. Her adolescent and young adult life was a time she said “allowed [her] to understand and learn the value of hard work” while employed in many positions, including her father’s veterinarian practice.
A graduate of fashion merchandising from the University of Georgia, Dorough met her husband of 32 years, Reverend Mike Dorough, while a student there.
The trustee’s husband, who pastors Airline Baptist Church in Gainesville, originated the couple’s connection to the university when he was asked to serve on the Board of Trustees as chairman, and later as trustee. During his tenure, their son John Michael attended Truett McConnell while also playing baseball.
Most notably, the former chairman helped initiate the Great Commission minor required for undergraduate students.
Biblically centered importance
While Dorough has many ties with the university, the importance of Christian education is one of the top reasons she supports TMU. “I have always felt like Christian education is important. As parents, we have sacrificed so that our children could attend Christian schools.”
With the most recent quarterly meetings just ending, Dorough said, “I felt like my first meetings as trustee were extremely successful. I bring a different perspective with a straightforward personality.”
As she begins her five-year term, Dorough added, “This is an exciting honor, and I am looking forward to actively participating on the board of trustees as we develop ideas that enrich the university and its students.”
Dorough is actively involved in the church choir, enjoys exercising, and spending time with her children John Michael (Holly) and Holly Ann (Scott) who both live nearby. She is also expecting her first grandchild, a boy, in early February.
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Jenny Gregory is the Digital Marketing Specialist for TMU’s Marketing and Communications.
photo/jg
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